The Government has said that approximately nine thousand Indian nationals, including students, business persons, factory workers, pilgrims, seafarers, and fishermen, are in Iran. In a written Reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margheritha, said that the Ministry and the Embassy of India in Iran have issued periodic advisories to Indian nationals.

 

It urged avoidance of non-essential travel to Iran and advised those wishing to leave to do so by the means available. He said that the Indian Embassy has also advised Indian nationals in Iran to exercise utmost caution, maintain situational awareness, monitor local media for any developments and stay in contact with the embassy.

 

The Minister informed that the Embassy is also facilitating the return of those Indians who want to return to India. It is also making appropriate arrangements for any distressed or stranded Indians in the country. 

 

The Minister said that amid the current situation in Iran and the region, the Ministry has activated a Special Control Room in New Delhi. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is also operating emergency helplines and an email for assisting Indian nationals in Iran.